Endometriosis

Each month the UCR newsletter discusses a new disease or condition. These items are reproduced here for reference purposes.

Definition: Sometimes tissue from the endometrium (uterine lining) grows in or on other organs in the pelvic cavity. The tissue responds to the woman’s hormonal cycle, bleeding each month.

Possible causes: The cause is unclear, but it has been linked to selenium deficiency, the use of tampons, excess estrogen production, delayed first pregnancy, early puberty and stress.

General Signs & Symptoms: The woman may experience heavy, painful menstruation, pelvic pain or back pain.

Primary Reflexology Target Areas: Complete Reproductive System on both feet

Reflexology Areas of Assistance: Endocrine System and Pelvic Area

Holistic Advice: Normal hormone balance is encouraged with a healthy high-fibre whole-food diet, including essential fatty acids found in evening primrose oil, linseed, and oily fish. As stress appears to contribute to the hormonal imbalances, techniques to induce relaxation, such as breathing exercises can help to cope with pain.

Extracted from “Conditions & Precautions for Reflexologists” manual part of the Universal College of Reflexology’s Therapeutic Reflexology Diploma Program